What is online learning?

Online learning, also known as distance learning or e-learning, is a non-traditional system of education. Before the widespread availability of online learning, students who wanted to further their education had to go to a campus, sign up for classes, go to classrooms, and possibly forgo having a job to get their education. In the 21st century, however, things are much different.

For example, most online schools allow you to do everything online, including registering, signing up for classes, purchase textbooks, and paying tuition. Some, though, require you to come to their campus if you are a new student to speak with a counselor before you are allowed to pick classes.

Online learning not only provides more flexibility for those students who have jobs, but for those who have other commitments such as small children at home, or those students who have disabilities that make it difficult for them to be in a traditional college setting.

The first step in any decision about furthering your education is to decide what it is you want to do. Do you want to teach? Do you want to be a business manager? What about a chef? The possibilities are endless!

Once you’ve decided on what your educational goals are, the next step is to determine weather you can accomplish those goals by taking online classes. Can you obtain your entire degree online? Are you trying to get an Associates degree? A Bachelors? Are you just trying to learn more skills for your job?

Ok, so now you’ve decided on your goals and determined that you can do how much you want to online, now you need to decide what school you want to go to. Do you want to be able to drive to the campus if you have a problem? If so, you might consider taking online classes through a local college or technical school.

The decision to continue your education can be daunting and almost overwhelming, but with the right information, the results can be very rewarding.

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Lisa Perkins graduated from West Platte High in 1987 and went on to become a stay-at-home wife and mother. In 1999, she eared a Certificate of Business Technology from Northwest Technical School, and in 2007 she entered online college at Iowa Western Community College to obtain a Business Administration degree. Currently, she is transferring to Northwest Missouri State College and plans to earn a Bachelors in Business Education. You can reach her with questions by email.